2026 Engineering Graduate

Thales; Stockport; On-site; GBP 30,600 - 37,400; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

201 hours annual leave

Company Pension

Health Care Cash Plan

Life Insurance

Discount Portal

Performance-related pay uplifts

80 hours volunteering

Job summary

A leading engineering firm in Stockport is seeking 2026 Engineering Graduates for a permanent role. This 3-year programme offers mentorship and the chance to rotate through different business units to gain a comprehensive understanding of the engineering lifecycle. Candidates must have a STEM degree and the right to work in the UK, with a commitment to security clearance requirements.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a STEM subject is required.
• Candidates must possess the permanent right to work in the UK.

Responsibilities

• Participate in a 3-year graduate programme with mentorship.
• Work on various engineering lifecycle projects.

Skills

Aeronautical or Aerospace Engineering

Mechanical Engineering

Software Engineering

Electrical and/or Electronic Engineering

Information Technology

Mathematics

Physics

Systems Engineering

Computing or Computer Science

AI, Machine Learning and Cybernetics

Education

Bachelor’s degree in STEM subject

Job description

2026 Engineering Graduate

Location: Cheadle, United Kingdom

Start Date: 07 September 2026

Salary: £34,000 per annum

Employee type: Permanent

Working Schedule: Monday – Friday, 37 hours a week (8 hours Monday – Thursday, 5 hours Friday)

What the role has to offer

• Permanent role from day one
• Work on exciting projects within our business units
• Receive mentorship and support from our Engineering Leadership team
• An opportunity in year 3 to rotate into different business units and experience different parts of an engineering lifecycle

Graduate Programme

This is a 3-year programme with the option to rotate, in Year 3, across different business units experiencing various parts of an engineering lifecycle. You will be assigned to a succession of new or existing programmes where you will work with and be supported by other engineers to design and develop solutions that meet our customers’ needs. During the programme, you will be under the sponsorship and guidance of the Engineering Leadership team and will follow a structured learning pathway to fast‑track your development.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in a STEM subject, such as:
  • Aeronautical or Aerospace Engineering
  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Software Engineering
  • Electrical and/or Electronic Engineering
  • Information Technology
  • Mathematics
  • Physics
  • Systems Engineering
  • Computing or Computer Science
  • AI, Machine Learning and Cybernetics
  • All applicable technical or related degrees will be considered

Benefits

• 201 hours annual leave (plus a company day and bank holidays)
• Company Pension
• Health Care Cash Plan
• Life Insurance
• Discount Portal
• Performance‑related pay uplifts
• 80 hours volunteering (first two years)

Security Clearance

All roles are subject to security restrictions. Candidates must possess the permanent right to work in the UK and will be required to go through Government security clearance at BPSS level and obtain full Security Clearance (SC) in line with UKSV requirements before starting. This role requires a sole British National from birth and achievement of SC clearance without any caveats. Further details and evidence required can be found at the UK government website.

Recruitment Process

Assessment centres for shortlisted candidates will be held between February – May 2026. Induction week for all graduate and apprentice candidates will take place from Monday 07 September to Friday 11 September 2026. Applications will close at 11.59 pm on Monday 5 January 2026.

EEO Statement

Thales is an equal opportunities employer and diversity and inclusion are integral to the success of Thales.

Thales UK is committed to providing an inclusive and barrier‑free recruitment process. Reasonable adjustments and support will be provided to ensure neuro‑diverse applicants or those with a disability or long‑term condition can perform at their best during the recruitment process. If you need this job advert in an alternative format or have any questions about the recruitment process, please contact the Early Careers Team.